If you're a Stony Brook University student, you know that one of the most beautiful buildings in the school is the Chemistry Building. It has the general chemistry and organic chemistry laboratories, professors' offices and also the best resource for anyone who is taking chemistry courses: the Chemistry Learning Center, or more commonly known as the CLC.
Initially located on the third floor, the chemistry learning center is now on the first floor near the lobby. Though the learning center used to be moderate in size, now it is even bigger, especially for organic chemistry students. There are numerous tables in room 123, boards and chairs provided for the students. However, students and TAs are complaining about the lack of chalk in the room. There is an indirect correlation between the size of the room and the amount of chalk provided; the center got bigger, the amount of chalk decreased.
Sheng Wang, an organic chemistry student, says the new CLC is so spacious he often lays on the floor and whispers "Bless."
Kevon Pekchi, who is a biology major and an organic chemistry student, states: "Every person I've spoken with enters into a jovial state as soon as I mention the new CLC. Such wonderment and passion for this new room. Who knew?"
Along with many students, the TAs of the class also has really positive things to say about the amazing center that changed lives for many chemistry students. Eddy Garcia, an undergraduate organic chemistry TA, can't help but mention that "the whole new, no windows prison vibe makes him feel at ease."
Dave Galler, a TA who is also a Ph.D. student, says, "It's an ideal space for teaching. As long as you're alone in the room, the acoustics are just perfect."
Josh Hombrebueno, an organic chemistry TA, mentions that he "hated the old CLC because it was too small," and he often found himself "wanting to leave and get fresh air." Now, the new CLC, which he refers to as his "new kingdom" reminds him of sunshine and unicorns. It gives him hope for better days.
Lastly, Daniel Acampa, who is also a TA for the course, says that he loves the new CLC. As someone who didn't use the old CLC much due to its size, the new CLC gives him a place to hold a review session that can fit all 500 organic students. Wow, props to you, Dan!
But all jokes aside, upgrades to institutions are constantly proving that the learning environment does matter. Students should be able to get a bigger room where they can communicate without bothering the people near them, and without getting distracted by the amount of noise. If anything, it should be a decision as a whole, not just by an institution itself.
Have you ever tried to talk over 20 other people? That is exactly the situation that takes place at the new CLC. There are also no windows, which isn't making the situation any better. Even though there are extra spaces and tables provided for students and TAs in the lobby, the students are still not satisfied with the small rooms. This is a perfect example as to why institutions should carefully think before they actually make an alteration that changes the environment students use for learning.
